Thyroid Profile Free

Overview of Thyroid Profile Free

What is Thyroid Profile Free?

The Thyroid Profile Free is a group of tests that are done together to detect or diagnose the thyroid diseases. It measures the levels of following three hormones in the blood: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4) - Free and TriIodothyronine (T3) - Free.

Why is Thyroid Profile Free done?

To diagnose any suspected thyroid disease (Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism)

To monitor the patient’s response to thyroid diseases treatment

To investigate the cause of infertility

What does Thyroid Profile Free Measure?

The Thyroid Profile Free Test measures the levels of the following three hormones in the blood:Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)Thyroxine (T4) - FreeTriIodothyronine (T3) - Free

The thyroid gland (a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck) secretes the following hormones:Triiodothyronine (T3)Thyroxine (T4)Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone secreted into the blood by Pituitary gland (a gland present in the brain). It directs thyroid gland to produce and release the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) into the blood. The iodine from the food stimulates the thyroid gland to make the thyroid hormones.The thyroid hormones regulates the growth and metabolism of the body. If the thyroid gland produces very high amounts of these hormones (T3 and T4), you may experience symptoms of weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity towards heat, etc. and this is known as Hyperthyroidism.The decreased production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) results in Hypothyroidism which may cause weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity towards cold, depression, dry and thin hair, etc.There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. When the levels of thyroid hormones decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. High TSH in turn increases the release of T3 and T4 hormones from the thyroid gland and vice-versa.T3 and T4 circulate in the blood in two forms:1) Bound form - It is bound to proteins present in blood and this prevents it from entering the body tissues. The three main proteins in the blood that the thyroid hormones are bound to are albumin, transthyretin and Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), also called Thyroid hormone Binding Globulin (THBG).2) Free form - It enters the body tissues where it is needed.The total T3 or total T4 includes both the bound and the free forms circulating within the blood. Hence, thyroid hormones can be measured as Free T3, Total T3, Free T4 and Total T4.The Thyroid Profile Free Test measures the free forms of T3 and T4 i.e. FT3 and FT4 along with TSH.

Preparation for Thyroid Profile Free

No special preparation required

Sample Type for Thyroid Profile Free

The sample type collected for Thyroid Profile Free is: Blood

Interpreting Thyroid Profile Free results

Interpretations

Low T4 and T3 along with a high TSH level indicates hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto thyroiditis

High T4 and T3 along with low TSH indicate hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease

Normal thyroxine T4 and T3 along with high TSH usually indicates mild or subclinical hypothyroidism

Normal T3 and T4 along with low TSH indicates mild or subclinical hyperthyroidism

Frequently Asked Questions about Thyroid Profile Free

Q. What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive. This leads to an increased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Causes of Hyperthyroidism include Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, thyroid nodules, toxic adenoma, inflammation of the thyroid, overconsumption of iodine, and excess of synthetic thyroid hormone. Diagnosis of this condition can help relieve the symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can be commonly caused by low intake of iodine in diet or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). Other less common causes include previous treatment with radioactive iodine, injury to the pituitary gland which secretes TSH, intake of certain medicines, previous thyroid surgery or improper functioning of thyroid gland since birth.

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. How can hyperthyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

An untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms of hyperthyroidism) and congestive heart failure.

Q. How can hypothyroidism affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

An untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can cause preeclampsia (a very high rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), anemia, miscarriage, low birthweight, stillbirth (death or loss of a baby before or during delivery) and rarely, congestive heart failure. These problems are noticed mostly as a result of severe hypothyroidism. The mother’s thyroid hormones play an important role in the development of baby’s brain and nervous system, untreated hypothyroidism, especially during the first trimester can cause low IQ and other problems with normal development.

Q. What are the causes of high TSH in a newborn?

Congenital hypothyroidism is an important cause of elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns. Other causes of an elevated TSH level include transient hypothyroidism due to neonatal illness, premature birth, excess or deficiency of iodine. In case the mother has some underlying thyroid disease or is under medication which affects thyroid hormone levels, TSH levels could increase.

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

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Tests Included in Thyroid Profile Free(3 tests)

TriIodothyronine Free

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Thyroxine - Free

Provided By

Gen-X Diagnostics is a unit of ARA Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. founded by leading applied research scientist Dr. Rama Mukherjee. Gen-X specializes in the field of molecular diagnostics, focusing on the development of genetic, biological and molecular diagnostic services. It is one of the first of its kind R&D Company focusing on development of genetic, biological and molecular diagnostic services with an intention to assisting its global partners in shortening the cycle and lowering the cost of drug discovery and development by providing cost effective and efficient co-development and outlicencing solution. Gen X Diagnostics is a unique leading Molecular Diagnostics in India offering a wide range of tests for infectious diseases, transplantation medicine, prenatal diagnostics, cancer, genetic disorder, metabolic and hormonal disorders. Gen-X Diagnostics has started its diagnostics operation from Dec 2007. We do reflect a commitment to improving the lives through the delivery of innovative diagnosis and therapeutic products that enable and provide optimal care.

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